The 48th National Convention
Aug 2002 Buffalo, NY
NOTES ON THE 2002 NATIONAL CONVENTION AT BUFFALO, NY IN AUGUST
We left home on Sunday morning, after loading the car. With one layover, we arrived at the Adams-Mark Hotel in Buffalo on Monday afternoon.
The first sight was the eight large water jets, located in a circular pool. Each jet appeared to be competing with it's neighbor in shooting columns high into the air. The hotel is elegantly furnished with all the amenities of a premier hotel.
Our room was located on the sixth floor and the convention activities were mainly located on level 2-1/2. Getting to the Hospitality room on that level required negotiating a short flight of stairs. There was an elevator that could be used, but it was not convenient for most attendees.
On level 2-1/2, there was a large expanse of space, called "The Meadow" where the registration and other tables were setup. The Boat Books, etc. , and official sales of jewelry were in a room on the third level, which could be described as a room off a balcony. Incidentally, the swimming pool and workout room was located on the third floor, which had to be passed in order to get to that (*%#!) half a flight of stairs. I suppose those without arthritis would never notice the challenge of those stairs.
The hospitality room was spacious and round tables were plentiful. Refreshments were supplied by the hotel at a bar situated in the hospitality room. The restaurants and bars were located on the first floor.
On Monday evening we went for a walk to see if we could find other restaurants. While tagging along with some SubVets, we located the "Pearl Street Grill & Brewery." This place was as example of an old mill converted to a restaurant and Micro Brewery. A set of a sixteen ceiling fans were all rotating slowly in unison. Upon examination, it could be seen that all the fans were driven from a single power source and connected by leather belts and pulleys. The food was great and the chitchat among the SubVets was even better.
The opening ceremony was one of the shortest I had ever witnessed at a National Convention. The invited dignitaries from the city of Buffalo did not show up. However, it was deftly handled by Phil Matuzic, who was the Master of Ceremonies and the Convention Co-Chairman.
Posting of the colors was by the VFW Post 1419 of Hamburg, NY
After the opening ceremony on Wednesday, there was the Newsletter Editor's meeting with a great exchange of information between those editors who attended. The use of Email and computers appears to be of greater interest to many for rapid communications, with the National officers as well as other members.
On Wednesday evening, we had the 23rd., Tinosa boat reunion and business meeting with 24 shipmates and wives attending. One old timer, attended his first boat reunion.
Thursday was a busy day. In the morning there was the Men's State Commanders and Regional Directors meeting followed by the beer bust and in the evening there was the Fun Night which was held in the Hospitality room.
The Fun Night, held in the hospitality room deserves some commentary. A volunteer group of entertainers, sponsored by the AMVETS Post 1996 of Jamestown, NY, put on a great stage show. they are known as the "Troupe 1996 & Stagedoor Canteen Show." This show featured "Tunes of the WWII Years."
The beer bust was held in a ball room adjacent to the hospitality room and featured roast beef, chicken wings and two kinds of pizza; all washed down with some beer, Once again, the camaraderie of subvets was observed. They gathered at the tables in their respective groups and enjoyed the company of familiar faces. This is the reason the beer busts will continue well beyond the prime ages of subvets beer drinking days.
The ladies Luncheon was held at the same time as the beer bust. The doors were opened early, which surprised some. Raffle tickets were sold at the luncheon and no one knew what the prizes would be; which was a surprise. The food was delicious but half the amount would have been enough. The entertainment was a Men's Barbershop Quartet (actually consisting of 10 men) which was very enjoyable.
On Friday morning, the men's general business meeting was held, The highlights of this meeting after the opening and introductions were: reports from the appointed officers.
From Robbie Robinson (Polaris mailings) Life members 3383; Annual members 2008; Associate members 1344; and Widows 523.
From Ben Beneties (Scholarship) All donations after Dec. 31, 2002 shall go directly the The Dolphin Scholarship Foundation, with a properly filled out form. No longer will donations be handled via the US Sub Vets of WWII.
From Vern Speed (Recording Secretary) During 2002, there were 423 death notices recorded.
From John Anderson (Sect'y/Treas.) Reported on various accounts.
From Don Kane (2nd V.Pres.) We are a Title 36 Federal Chartered Corporation authorized by the congress and shall make reports to the US Congress with oversight of assets by the General Accounting Office. Don Kane suggests that for all those chapters or States that wish to continue their associations, they should incorporate as nonprofit corporations in their respective states and follow the rules set down by that state. It’s not complicated and often does not cost very much money. Don Kane also suggests that a reference be made to US Submarine Veterans of WWII in the corporate papers. On the disposal of assets; that is to be handled by each chapter as their members see fit. Donations to qualified non profit organizations would be proper.
From Jack Richardson (1st V. Pres.) A petition to make Dec., 7th., a National Holiday is available at this convention. Members are encouraged to take copies back to their chapters and get signatures and send completed forms to the person noted on the form.
Work on setting up a trust agreement with the City of Groton for the Memorial East was reported. There is a trust fund, presently maintained by the SubVets of WWII. (This issue was later brought up, discussed and voted on to keep the control of the Memorial East under the US Sub Vets of WWII.)
Jack Tolliver: (Past Nat'l President) The job of National Supply Officer was turned over from Josh Hughes (dec.) to Jack Tolliver after Josh Hughes died. The job will be turned over to Herman Schmidt soon. The project has been operating at a loss this past year.
Herman Schmidt (National President) Reported on the various State Memorials, the use of the Logo and the roster.
John Anderson (Nat'l Sect'y/Treas.) Reported on the status regarding the I.R.S. as reported to him by a C.P.A. that there is no problem with the I.R.S. all proper reports are made to the Congress of the U.S.
Jack Tolliver also commented on the late 2002 National Convention financial reports and accepted responsibility for not getting it into the Polaris. He promised to get the report into the next issue.
A motion was made re: "The Wall of Honor" at Groton. A vote on the question that the Memorial East to be a part of US SubVets of WWII. Motion carried.
A motion on the use of the number 3505 lost men versus the use of the term "More than 3600" for reporting deaths of shipmates lost caused much discussions and opposition. This subject was tabled.
Voting: All the present members of the NEEB moved up to the next position.
There were two men running for the office of National Recording Secretary, Bill Klein and Rex carpenter. Rex carpenter won.
Meeting adjourned.
On Saturday, there was the Memorial Service; which was held in a large ball room on the first floor. The service opened with patriotic vocal renditions by Maria Theresa Murphy, a Julliard School of Music Alumni accompanied by Anthony Kunz.
Phil Matuzic, the Master of Ceremonies, at the microphone, used his own brand of home grown expressions that got the audience in a joyous mood. For example, when he introduced the man who would toll the bell, Phil said, "He is the bonger." Phil had a few other quaint expressions that lightened this very solemn occasion.
Saturday evening, we had the main banquet. A waitress told me they served 560 dinners. The total registered convention attendees numbered approx. 1150.
Awards were presented by Herman Schmidt to the two New York City policemen who handled the disposition of a Sub Vet who was found dead on a NYC subway.
An award was presented to the State Commander of the Year, Ed Studstill of Florida.
Another award was presented to the Regional Director of the Year from Mississippi, Bobby L. Hayes.
New officers were sworn in.
The guest speaker was Vice Admiral Albert H. Konetzni, Jr.
He spoke on the diminishing resources and the inability to meet all that is requested of the fleet. He spoke of the recent shortages in ordinance due to the demands in the Balkans and other places. He mentioned these conditions are the result of "Short sightedness," by our leaders. But he also noted, "The legacy must go on."
Dancing followed with 1930's and 1940's music provided by a big band of young people.
This report prepared by Paul Wittmer
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